I recently returned from a dreamy 4 days in Gros Morne and have compiled this comprehensive list of the 37 BEST things to do in Gros Morne, Newfoundland. You won’t have to do hours of research like I did!
Gros Morne National Park in Western Newfoundland is home to enormous natural beauty and cultural significance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park spans over 1,805 kilometres of diverse landscapes from towering fjords and lush forests to windswept coastal beaches and rugged mountains. With kilometres of trails weaving through its terrain, Gros Morne offers ample opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities. Whether you’re hiking to panoramic viewpoints, immersing yourself in local cuisine, or simply enjoying the tranquility, there are plenty of places to fill your Gros Morne itinerary. In this guide, you’ll find a complete list of all the BEST things to do in Gros Morne, from outdoor adventures to cultural sights and experiences.
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The 37 Best Things to Do in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
1. Coffee on the Water at Galliot Studios
Galliot Studios & Cafe is a waterfront coffee shop in Woody Point. They serve delicious coffee and homemade treats and have a patio over top of the waters of Bonne Bay. The views of the bay and its mountains are the perfect backdrop to sit, relax, and enjoy a coffee to kickstart your day.
Opening Hours: Every day from 9 am – 6 pm, except for Fridays when they stay open until 8 pm, and Saturdays they re-open from 8 pm – 12 am.
Location: Woody Point
2. Hike the Tablelands Trail
The Tablelands trail is one of the most popular activities you can do in Gros Morne National Park. The Tablelands are a large landscape of exposed 485 million year old Earth’s Mantle. The landscape is distinctly barren and rust-coloured, reminding people of Mars. This piece of land has enormous geological significance in the world’s discovery of tectonic plates and there are only two other places in the world where you can view the Earth’s mantle. Hiking the Tablelands trail brings you right on top of the mantle and into the otherworldly landscape on a 4 km roundtrip in and out trail.
Bonus: Many people choose to hike beyond the end of the trail to explore more of the landscape and get a higher vantage point of the unique valley you hike through.
Trail Length: 4 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Location: Trailhead
3. Tablelands Lookout Point
Even if you hike the Tablelands trail, the Tablelands lookout point is worth a quick stop. It is located just before the entrance to the trailhead parking lot and offers a higher vantage point of the unique landscape. The drive towards the parking lot is gorgeous with the road seeming to lead directly into a red mountain in the distance, so stopping at this point also allows you to grab some great photos of this phenomenon.
Location: Less than a minute before the Tablelands Trailhead parking lot, you will see the sign for a scenic stop on the left.
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4. Visit the Gros Morne Discovery Centre
The Gros Morne Discovery centre is 100% worth visiting on your trip to Gros Morne. It is really close to the Tablelands trailhead and is filled with interactive exhibits telling the tale of Gros Morne and its incredible natural features. A highlight is the exhibit dedicated to the tablelands, where you can learn so much more about the landscape you just hiked on. You’ll gain a much deeper appreciation for the park you are visiting. There is also a small gift shop if you are hoping to buy souvenirs.
Opening Hours: Every day 9 am – 5 pm
Location: Discovery Centre
5. Lunch on the Water In Woody Point
One of my personal favourite things about visiting Gros Morne and Newfoundland, was enjoying my meals right next to the water. Woody Point is an excellent spot for this with two great restaurants that have outdoor patios on the water. Check out the Merchant Warehouse Retro Cafe & Wine Bar and the Old Loft Restaurant for lunch and enjoy a serene meal with views of Bonne Bay.
Merchant Warehouse Opening Hours: Every day 12 pm – 9 pm, except on Sundays 12 pm – 8 pm
The Old Loft Restaurant: Every day from 11:30 am – 8 pm.
Location: Downtown Woody Point
6. Lookout Hills Trail
The Lookout Hills Trail starts from the Discovery Centre parking lot and takes you on a 5 km loop up into the mountain backdropping Woody Point. You’ll walk up a gradual ascent and be rewarded with panoramic views of the Bonne Bay fjord, the Tablelands, and the beautiful Gros Morne Landscape. The Lookout Hills Trail is a favourite in the park.
Trail Length: 5 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
7. Visit Trout River
Trout River is one of the few towns located inside Gros Morne National Park. It is an adorable coastal town protected by a small cove with cliffs on either side. There is a beach and boardwalk running the length between the cliffs where you can walk and enjoy views of the town. It is also a great place to watch the sun set over the ocean. This was my personal favourite out of all the towns in the park.
Location: Trout River
8. Dinner at Seaside Restaurant
Seaside Restaurant is in my opinion the best restaurant you can visit in Gros Morne. It is located on the beach in Trout River and specializes in local Newfoundland cuisine. They serve delicious fresh seafood with big windows overlooking the water. Seaside Restaurant has been recognized by National Geographic Traveler’s Magazine, the New York Times, and many more for its incredible dining experience. It is a family-run business which adds an authentic local experience to your itinerary. You do not technically need a reservation (we were able to get a table of 4 without one) but I do recommend making one in the peak summer months just to be sure.
Opening Hours: Every day 12 pm – 9 pm
Location: Seaside Restaurant
9. Eastern Point Trail For Sunset
The Eastern Point Trail is located in Trout River and takes you on a short hike up the cliffside overlooking the town and its incredible landscape. This is the perfect place for sunset in Gros Morne, as the town illuminates in warm hues and the sun sets directly in front of you below the Ocean horizon. It is an easy hike and was my absolute favourite moment in Gros Morne – it was truly magical.
Trail Length: 2 km roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 hour (including watch the sunset)
Location: Trailhead
10. Summit Gros Morne Mountain
One of the best things you can do in Newfoundland is hike the Gros Morne Mountain Trail. The trail brings you to the top of Gros Morne Mountain which is the second tallest mountain in Newfoundland. It is an incredible hike that takes you a day to complete and provides some of the best views you can get in Gros Morne. You’ll see the fjords from above, hike through a boulder gulley, and have a great chance at spotting wildlife along the way.
Trail Length: 17 km roundtrip
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 6 – 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 650 metres.
** Please Note: The Gros Morne Mountain Summit trail is completely closed in May and June to protect the breeding wildlife on the mountain.
11. Western Brook Pond Fjord Tour
The best activity in the park for viewing Newfoundland’s impressive freshwater fjord is the Western Brook Pond boat tour. For 2 hours, the boat tour takes you right through the impressive fjord with sheer cliffs towering above you and waterfalls around every corner. To reach the departure dock, you’ll need to complete a 3 km easy walk surrounded by natural bogs and views of the fjord in the distance. The tours are run by BonTours. It is one of the most popular activities to do in Gros Morne that will leave you completely blown away.
Available Tour Times: 10 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 3 pm in July and August
In the shoulder seasons (Mid-May – June 30, and September 1 – Mid October): There is one tour daily at 12:30 pm.
12. Drive the Scenic Viking Trail
The Viking trail (Highway 430) hugs the Western coastline of Newfoundland, bringing you 489 km from Deer Lake to the Northernmost point of the island in St. Anthony. It brings you to several historic spots where you can view 1000 year old Viking settlements, as well as natural points of interest. It takes the cake as one of Canada’s most scenic drives to view the west coast of Newfoundland and the towering fjords in the distance.
13. Rocky Harbour
Rocky Harbour is the largest town in the heart of Gros Morne National Park. The town has a rich fishing history and a great tourist community today. Located right at the entrance to Bonne Bay, the town lines a small bay with great restaurants that overlook the water, lookout points, and souvenir shops. Because of its strategic location, many people choose to stay here as their base to explore the park. It is a great place to visit for the views, grab lunch, and to get to know the coastal communities of Gros Morne.
14. Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse
The Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse is a historical lighthouse with great views over the coastal landscape and cove. It is a great spot for learning more about the local history and heritage of Gros Morne, with a small museum located inside the old lighthouse. You’ll find historical photographs, lighthouse log books, and even recordings of old local folk music. There are also Parks Canada staff inside to answer questions and provide more information on the historical importance to the park. The lighthouse has a small network of trails surrounding it to grab a new vantage point of the historic beacon and views out over the coast.
Opening Hours: Every day from 10 am – 5:30 pm
Location: Lighthouse
15. Bonne Bay Fjord Boat Tour
Take a Fjord Boat Tour of Bonne Bay with Wild Gros Morne. The tour takes you out on a Zodiac boat with a small group and immerses you in the beautiful nature of Bonne Bay. You’ll be with a local guide who has an intimate knowledge of Gros Morne and its local communities. Learning about the 500 million year old history of the Tablelands, you’ll boat to some unique viewpoints of the stark red rock formations and get up close to the fjord cliffs in the bay. As a saltwater fjord, you’ll also have a chance at witnessing some marine wildlife like seals, porpoises, and whales. The scenic boat trip is a great way to view the natural beauty of the park and learn directly from a local guide.
Tour Departures: 10 am daily
Tour Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
Location: Wild Gros Morne
Find the Tour Here
16. Hike the Green Gardens Trail
The Green Gardens Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Gros Morne National Park. It has a diverse offering of environments, taking you through green meadows, lush forests, dramatic coastal cliffsides, and panoramic ocean views. The moderate hike begins at Trout River Pond and finishes with views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The route is well-maintained and easy to follow along the stretch of rugged coastline. You’ll also spot sheep grazing along the way!
Trail Length: 9.5 km out and back
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 360 metres
17. Participate in a Beach Broil Up
Trying Newfoundlands’ local cuisine and fresh-caught seafood is a must when visiting Gros Morne. Wild Gros Morne offers a famous beach broil up in the summer months, where you’ll get a 4 course tasting menu featuring local seafood, game, and foraged foods. The broil happens in the perfect beach setting right next to the water of Bonne Bay with views of the mountains as your back drop. It is considered the park’s best food tour experience.
Location: Wild Gros Morne
Find the Tour Here.
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18. Hike Western Brook Pond Lookout on a Tour
If you want to get a little more immersed in the fjords of Western Brook Pond, BonTours also offers an outback hiking excursion that adds a 12 km day hike to the top of the valley where you can look down on the incredible fjord from above. This is a full day tour starting a 7 or 8 am and lasting 10 – 12 hours. It includes the journey to the Western Brook Pond parking lot, the 3 km walk on a gravel path to the dock, the 16 km boat journey through the fjord, and then a guided 12 km hike to the top. The hike is considered strenuous with a steep scramble for the last portion of the hike. It is also incredibly rewarding, as you pass through wild forest paths and giant meadows, cross over river beds, and witness waterfalls.
Trail Length: 18 km total
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 10 – 12 hours
Elevation Gain: 450 metres
19. Visit the Small Town of Norris Point
Norris Point sits on a small piece of land just south of Rocky Harbour that juts out into the Southern arm of Bonne Bay. The town is small but offers great views over the bay and is filled with cute traditional style Newfoundland homes. It is worth a quick visit and a good spot to grab something to eat if you like a more quiet small-town environment.
20. Green Point Lookout
Along highway 430, Green Point Lookout is a great spot to look back on Gros Morne’s rugged coastline. The lookout point juts out into the sea and has a couple of red muskoka chairs for taking photos and sitting to enjoy the view. You can find the lookout point just past the Green Point campground if you’re driving North.
Location: Green Point Lookout
21. Hike the Coastal Trail From Green Point Campground
Another on the list of the best hiking in Gros Morne, the Coastal Trail brings you right along another stretch of coast on the Northern side of Bonne Bay. The trailhead is located inside the Green Point Campground but it is free to enter with your park entry. It is an easy trail that brings you along a rocky beach, through a low forested area, next to gorgeous lakes and bogs, and across rocky terrain.
Trail Length: 6 km round trip (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
22. Visit Shallow Bay Beach in Cow Head
Shallow Bay Beach is one of the best stops along the scenic Viking Trail road trip. It is a long sandy beach stretching along the coast with shallow waters that warm up in the summer months enough for swimming. The beach is pretty and a great spot if you want to some beach time in Gros Morne.
Location: Shallow Bay Beach
23. Take a Kayaking Tour in Bonne Bay
Another adventurous thing to do in Bonne Bay is to explore it by kayak. You’ll get all the highlights of the zodiac boat tour while paddling through the sea waves. Enjoy the mountainous landscape, learn about local culture, and keep an eye on the water to spot marine life.
Location: Wild Gros Morne
Find the Tour Here.
24. Hike the Long Range Traverse
If you are an experienced backcountry hiker, the Long Range Traverse is one of the best through hikes you can do in Canada. The traverse is a 4 day, 3 night backcountry hike that brings you through the most stunning landscapes in the park. You’ll witness arctic-alpine terrain, fjords, and lakes on a completely unmarked and unmaintained hike through the wilderness. Experienced hikers can do the hike independently with a permit if they have proper compass navigation skills, but there are also guided tour options.
Trail Length: 35 km
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 3 – 4 days
25. Art of the Ocean Gallery
The Art of the Ocean Gallery is a stunning shop in Rocky Harbour featuring a variety of art inspired by the ocean. There is a real preserved whale skeleton as the centrepiece of the shop and large humpback whale sculptures hanging from the ceiling. There is a large variety of displays and functional art for purchase, but it is also incredibly beautiful to admire.
Opening Hours: Every day from 10 am – 6 pm with the exception of Sunday from 11 am – 4 pm.
Location: Gallery
26. Snug Harbour Trail
Snug Harbour is an unmarked trail that takes you from the Western Brook Trailhead to a secluded cove at the base of the Western Brook Fjords. The route follows the shoreline and some unmaintained portion of trail that can be quite overgrown and muddy. You’ll have to pass a stream at one point, wading through the shallow waters. However, it is an incredibly scenic experience in nature, with the chance to spot wildlife like Moose. The hike ends at the Snug Harbour primitive campsite.
Trail Length: 15 km round trip (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate if you have proper navigation skills
Time: 6 – 8 hours.
27. Camp Overnight at the Old Man Cove
Old Man Cove is an area along the Green Gardens Trail that overlooks the dramatic and green shoreline. While most people experience this area as a day hike, there is a gorgeous primitive campsite located right in the cove. It is the perfect place to make camp for the night, watch the sun set over the ocean, and enjoy the serenity of having the view completely to yourself when you wake up in the morning.
Location: Along the Green Gardens Trail
28. Top of the Tablelands Traverse Tour
The 4 km Tablelands is a great option for hiking the rocky red landscape, however, if you want a little more out of your time there I recommend trying the Top of the Tablelands off-trail hike with Wild Gros Morne. You’ll be guided through the rocky terrain up to a 600-metre high rocky outcropping to gain views of the glacial valley below. The local guides will share the history and geological significance of the Tablelands as you go and you’ll get a completely unique view of the Bonne Bay Fjords and Gros Morne Mountain.
Trail Length: 8 km roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 600 metres
29. S.S Ethie Shipwreck
Another great stop along the scenic Viking Trail road trip, the S.S. Ethie Shipwreck is worth a stop at Martin’s Point. The ship was wrecked in 1919 and remains on the shore today. All of the passengers onboard were rescued and there’s even a tale of a heroic dog as part of the story. The shipwreck sits on a beautiful rocky beach with fantastic rock formations to admire as well.
30. Parson’s Pond
Parson’s Pond is a small traditional fishing village located along the coast on the Viking Trail. It is worth a short stop to wander through and snap some photos of the colourful fishing huts and their boats and equipment. On the other side of the road, you’ll be able to see impressive mountains and fjords in the distance.
Location: Parson’s Pond
31. Gros Morne Wildlife Museum
Located in Rocky Harbour, the Gros Morne Wildlife Museum exhibits over 100 life-sized animals native to the park in authentic scenes. The museum has lots of educational facts about the animals and a scavenger hunt that is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. It is an Indigenous-owned business and a great way to learn more about the wildlife that lives in Gros Morne. They also have a great gift shop inside.
Opening Hours: Every day 10 am to 6 pm from May – late September
32. Bonne Bay Marine Station
Located in Norris Point, the Bonne Bay Aquarium and Marine Station is a bit of a hidden gem in Gros Morne. You’ll learn about the sea life living in the Bonne Bay fjord on an interactive tour. They have a saltwater aquarium and a touch tank. It is actually a marine ecology research station that opens itself to researchers, students, and the public to learn more about the amazing ecology of Gros Morne’s marine environment. The Bonne Bay Marine Station is also a great rainy-day option to escape bad weather.
Opening hours: Every day 10 am – 4:30 pm
33. The Jennieux House
The Jenniex House in Norris Point is a great place to visit if you are interested in the traditional heritage of Gros Morne’s coastal villages. One of the oldest dwellings in Norris Point, the century house is now home to a heritage museum with an impressive view of Bonne Bay and the Tablelands.
Opening Hours: Every day 9 am – 5 pm
Location: Jennieux House
34. Take a Fishing Trip With Wild Gros Morne
Fishing is a huge part of Gros Morne’s history and the livelihood and culture of the local population today. If you are looking for an outdoorsy and authentic local experience, try a fishing trip with Wild Gros Morne. The trip is offered as a private tour and takes you out into the Bonne Bay waters to reel in species like Cod, Mackerel, Halibut, and more. You don’t need any previous experience, but is still a great option for passionate fishers.
35. Food Tour With Taste of Gros Morne
If you love to explore the world with your tastebuds, then a food tour in Gros Morne is a great way to sample the local cuisine. The Taste of Gros Morne offers a fantastic tour that allows you to sample food from the park’s top-rated restaurants. You’ll experience a 3 course meal of local seafood, handpicked berries, and herbs grown from their local garden. The tour also offers wine pairings for each course and the guides are trained to bring you on a culinary journey.
36. Take an Indigenous Tour With Gros Morne Adventures
The first Indigenous tour to be offered in the park, the Indigenous Tour with Gros Morne Adventures brings you on an adventure to experience the park through the eyes of its Indigenous peoples. An Indigenous guide will bring you in a zodiac boat to a secluded cove in Bonne Bay, where you’ll get to explore on a game trail to witness the local plants and animals. You’ll learn about the Indigenous relationship with the land and its animals. You’ll get to try using stone-age tools to make a fire and cook a traditional meal over the open fire. As well as hear traditional tales of the Indigenous person’s ancestors. It is a completely one-of-a-kind experience and a great way to honour the original inhabitants of the beautiful land we now get to explore.
37. Make an Ugly Stick
Make your very own “Ugly Stick” in this unique arts and crafts workshop. What the heck is an ugly stick? Well, it is a traditional Newfoundland percussive instrument that is made from recycled household materials. It has a boot at the base of it and a head at the top and is played by hitting the boot on the ground and beating on the stick. It is a huge part of Newfoundland’s folk culture and embodies the communal spirit of the newfies. Spend a silly and fun workshop creating your own version, with smaller versions available to craft a souvenir to travel home with.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to do in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Gros Morne National Park on the West Coast of Newfoundland is the perfect destination for enjoying mother nature’s natural wonders. From hiking the otherworldly Tablelands landscape to savouring local cuisine with a view in Woody Point, every experience in Gros Morne is an adventure. With this complete list of the 37 best things to do in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, you’ll be able to craft an epic itinerary to experience everything this incredible place has to offer. Happy adventuring!
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